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Many reasons to support local lands control

Letter: Carol Asher

I would like to both commend and encourage all Idaho state, county and local officials who are spearheading the move to win back managing control over federally owned public lands within our state. There are many reasons why it behooves “we the people” to support this movement wholeheartedly:

First of all, there’s the basic interest of state’s rights. Next, the critically needed, better management of our forests, and the boosting of our economy by putting more of our people back to work, responsibly harvesting burgeoning natural resources. Also, restored, easier access to our own land for recreational and other legitimate purposes. Just in general, our being better enabled to pay our own way in funding the needs of our state (including education), neither having to depend upon federal handouts nor always further taxing our people directly.

Few would argue that the federal government hasn’t grossly, intrusively over-extended itself throughout the several states, and sorely needs to be pushed back into its proper corner. For clues and some rude awakening, compare the U.S. Constitution, Article I, Section 8, and the Bill of Rights Amendment 10 to the feds’ Agenda 21 and rewilding of America plans!

Idaho’s chances of success in reasserting itself are made better by the fact that we are not alone in the struggle. A total of 11 western state legislatures have begun to mount similar efforts. It should be well worth the fight, so I’d say together let’s do it!